In a significant shift in Austrian politics, the far-right Freedom Party (FPO) has secured its first-ever general election victory, reflecting a growing trend of support for hard-right parties in Europe. The preliminary results of the election highlight concerns over immigration levels and economic worries as key factors driving this surge in right-wing support.
The FPO, which is known for its Eurosceptic and Russia-friendly stance, had been leading in opinion polls for months leading up to the election, narrowly edging out Chancellor Karl Nehammer’s ruling conservative Austrian People’s Party (OVP). The campaign was heavily dominated by debates on immigration, with the FPO successfully tapping into public anxiety surrounding the issue.
This victory for the far-right in Austria is part of a larger trend across Europe, where right-wing populist parties have been gaining ground in several countries. The rise of these parties reflects a shift in public sentiment towards nationalist and anti-immigration policies, as well as a growing disillusionment with mainstream political parties.
The outcome of the Austrian election has sparked concerns among many in Europe, who fear that the rise of far-right parties could further polarize society and lead to increased tensions within the European Union. It remains to be seen how this election result will impact Austria’s political landscape and the broader European political scene.
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Video “Far-right wins Austria election, boosting European right-wing surge • FRANCE 24 English” was uploaded on 09/30/2024 to Youtube Channel FRANCE 24 English